Arthritis and Therapies to Help Manage It

Fall is finally here!  For many people fall means holidays, family, football, the changing of the leaves, and cooling temperatures. Unfortunately, the rain and cooler weather can mean an increase in discomfort for pets suffering from arthritis.  Here at Kaibab Animal Hospital, we take a special interest in geriatric pets and their comfort and well-being.

Arthritis affects millions of dogs and cats in the United States.   The most common type of arthritis for both humans and animals is called osteoarthritis.  This is the type that is related to age and general wear and tear beginning with the cartilage and most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Cartilage is the firm but flexible connective tissue that is found within the joints.  If the damage of the cartilage progresses over time, the bones can eventually come into direct contact causing damage to the bone itself.  What may begin as mild discomfort for the dog over time becomes increasingly painful.  This is especially true for animals who are overweight, as the weight places excess pressure on the bones in the joints and fat cells increase inflammation.

Pets can’t tell us when they are uncomfortable so it is important for us to watch them for certain telltale signs of pain or discomfort. Symptoms of arthritis include, but are not limited to, a general “slowing down,” pain, limping, loss of interest in playing or going on walks, sleeping more, difficulty rising, difficulty going up stairs, and a reluctance to be picked up or touched.

 

If you are noticing any of these symptoms in your pet, there are some things can be done to help them feel more comfortable.

·        Diet changes – There are prescription diets available that are specifically created to help stop the progression of arthritis and to help keep pets more comfortable.  Some of these diets can help with weight loss also.

·        Supplements – There are supplements available such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids that will help lubricate joints to keep them moving more easily.

·        Medications – There are many pain and anti-inflammatory medications available that can decrease your pet’s pain level making it easier for them to get around.

·        Short frequent exercise – Too much exercise can overwork the joints and make them more painful but too little exercise can leave your pets stiff and uncomfortable.

·        Physical therapy – Several types of physical therapy are available to help keep your pet moving and get them controlled exercise.

·        Warm cushy beds – Keeping them off the cold ground and having some padding under them can help.

·        Make food and water more accessible – Elevate food and water bowls to shoulder level, and keep them on lower levels of two story houses.

·        Place rugs and runners on hard floors – This allows pets to get traction and helps them navigate through the house more easily.

·        Weight loss – This should be done through diet and exercise.  There are prescription diets and medications available when normal diet and exercise are not enough.

·        Laser therapy – Laser therapy helps increase circulation in the treated areas to help decrease pain and increase mobility.

·        Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma – These procedures use cells from your pet’s own body to help stimulate healing and decrease inflammation.  This can significantly lessen signs of joint pain and discomfort.

·        Acupuncture – This therapy is done by a few vets around town and is believed to decrease inflammation in the the body and help improve circulation.

Dogs and cats are not 'small people,' so you must be careful with over the counter pain medications.  Remember, some human medications can be toxic to your pet and can cause harm and/or death.  It is important to not give any human medication or supplements without getting your veterinarian’s approval first!

Schedule an appointment today if you think your pet might be showing signs of arthritis so that we can formulate a treatment plan of the best options to help them get back to feeling great!